The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday stayed proceedings in a criminal case filed against Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Basanagouda Patil Yatnal for allegedly making vulgar remarks against Kannada actress Ranya Rao. .Patil, who was recently expelled from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) citing anti-party activities, has filed a petition before the High Court to quash the first information report (FIR) against him in the matter. Justice Pradeep Singh Yerur today heard preliminary arguments in the matter and sought the State's response before posting the case for further hearing after two weeks. Meanwhile, the criminal proceedings against Patil will remain stayed, the Court added. .The case is connected to Ranya Rao's arrest on allegations that she misused VIP routes at airports to smuggle gold. Patil is alleged to have made derogatory comments against Rao while referring to this gold smuggling case. Patil reportedly told the media (in Kannada),"There were lapses by customs officials, and necessary action should be taken against them. She (Ranya Rao) had gold all over her body, hiding it wherever she had holes, and smuggled it in."Rao's relative (complainant) filed a complaint against Patil for these comments. A first information report (FIR) was registered by the High Grounds Police Station, Bengaluru. The FIR cited the offence of Section 79 of the Bharatiya Nayaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS), which deals with words, gestures or acts intended to insult the modesty of a woman.This FIR has been challenged by Patil before the High Court. The complainant's counsel today urged the Court not to stay the FIR as the allegations are very serious. The Court, in its order, took note of this submission and added that the matter may require trial. However, it opined that until the case is heard next, Patil may be entitled to the benefit of an interim order. Therefore, the Court stayed the criminal proceedings against him for now. .Follow Bar and Bench channel on WhatsAppDownload the Bar and Bench Mobile app for instant access to the latest legal news.
